The Most Expensive Military Planes To Ever Take To The Sky

Published on September 3, 2020
One of the most profitable sectors in the world is the defense industry. Annual profit made from this industry is around $389 million globally. A massive contributor to this revenue is from aerospace technology. Warplane construction is still relatively new, yet it’s the desired asset to any armed force. This is one primary reason governments invest billions of dollars into the construction and purchasing of large aircraft. For instance, it isn’t unheard of for efficient high-tech military planes to cost approximately one billion dollars.

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

This F-15E Strike Eagle was designed with the idea of the original F-15 Eagle, which was also manufactured by Boeing’s McDonnell Douglas. However, the Strike Eagle can fly in any weather due to it being a multi-role strike fighter.

McDonnell Douglas F 15E Strike Eagle

McDonnell Douglas F 15E Strike Eagle

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle, continued

The McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle entered service in 1989 and remains in use while costing $138 million. The aircraft’s darker camouflage and conformal fuel tanks are unique features that make the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle distinguishable.

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McDonnell Douglas F 15E Strike Eagle

McDonnell Douglas F 15E Strike Eagle

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Su-27 Flanker

The Su-27 Flanker is on the cheaper side as it costs $41.2 million and is still in service after being introduced in 1977. It was initially manufactured to compete against the US fourth-gen fighters. It features air superiority within the design, while its other variants perform almost any aerial warfare operations. ‘Flanker’ was the reporting name that was given to the Su-27 by NATO.

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Su 27 Flanker

Su 27 Flanker

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EA-18G Growler

This is a carrier-based aircraft that’s designed to specialize in electronic warfare. The reason behind its creation was to replace the EA-6B Prowlers. The EA-18g Growler costs $74.8 million and is yet to retire.

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EA 18G Growler

EA 18G Growler

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EA-18G Growler, continued

It entered into service in 2009, after first taking flight in 2006. Over 90 percent of the Growler’s design is the same as the Super Hornet. Both of these aircraft share the same weapon systems, AESA Radar, and airframe.

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EA 18G Growler

EA 18G Growler

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F-14 Tomcat

The F-14 Tomcat is a twin-tail, two-seat, variable-sweep, twin-engine, supersonic fighter jet that was created by Northrop Grumman. This fighter jet entered the service in 1970 and has a value of $63.9 million. However, it retired from the USAF in 2006. Northrop Grumman initially developed it for the US Navy’s Naval Fighter Experimental Program.

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F 14 Tomcat

F 14 Tomcat

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Panavia Tornado

The Panavia Tornado is a fleet of variable-sweep, twin-engine multi-role combat aircraft that was created by the joining of forces between Italy, Germany, and the UK.

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Panavia Tornado

Panavia Tornado

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Panavia Tornado, continued

It cost $59.6 million and retired from the RAF in 2019 after being introduced to the service in 1979. The Panavia Tornado has three different types of planes. These are the ECR (reconnaissance/electronic combat), the IDS (interdictor strike), and the ADV (interceptor aircraft).

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Panavia Tornado Part 2

Panavia Tornado Part 2

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VH-71 Kestrel

This military aircraft was entered into the service in 2007 and costs $241 million. Although the VH-71 Kestrel first took flight in 2007, its high cost led to its elimination in 2009.

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VH 71 Kestrel

VH 71 Kestrel

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VH-71 Kestrel, continued

The total amount of 28 Kestrels cost a whopping $13 billion. The initial reason for the creation of the Lockheed Martin was to act as a replacement of the One Presidential Transport Fleet.

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VH 71 Kestrel Part 2

VH 71 Kestrel Part 2

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Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Saab is the Swedish company that produced this aircraft. It’s designed with a single-engine and features lightweight multi-role capabilities. It cost approximately $45 million to $55 million and was first entered into service in 1988. The Gripen’s engine is a Volvo RM12, while the flight controls are all equipped with fly-by-wire capabilities.

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Saab JAS 39 Gripen

Saab JAS 39 Gripen

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Su-30

This is a Moscow creation that was designed by the Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. Some capabilities are that it can conduct air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions. Its creation was initially meant as an internal development project.

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Su-30

Su-30

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Su-30, continued

However, that changed when the Russian Defense Ministry found out about the discovery in 1996. It was initially used by the Soviet Union and Russian Air Force, but it’s now present in the Venezuelan Airforce, Vietnam People’s Air Force, and the Algerian Air Force.

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Su 30 Part 2

Su 30 Part 2

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Air Force One

The Air Force One was first introduced into service in 1990 and cost a massive $660 million. This aircraft was specifically designed to carry the president.

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Air Force One

Air Force One

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Air Force One, continued

Safety precautions were put into place when the USAF became concerned about using commercial airlines to transport the president. The Boeing 747-8 aircraft is the chosen Air Force One. However, the C-54 Skymaster was the first Air Force One.

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Air Force One Part 2

Air Force One Part 2

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MiG-35 Fulcrum

This aircraft is made by the UAC and is a fourth-generation jet fighter, which costs $48.6 million to acquire. The MiG-35 Fulcrum entered into service in 2007 and is yet to retire. The first appearance of the MiG-35 Fulcrum was at the Aero India Air Show.

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MiG 35 Fulcrum

MiG 35 Fulcrum

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Su-34

The Su-34 was designed by the Soviet Union and is equipped with a twin-engine and is a supersonic fighter jet with all-weather capabilities. It first took flight in 1990, but only entered into service with the Russian Air Force in 2014. This aircraft has the power to fly group and solo missions.

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Su-34

Su-34

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F/A-18 Hornet

Boeing’s McDonnell Douglas designed this aircraft. The primary users of the F/A-18 were the Marines and the US Navy. It has a cost of $34.1 million and entered into service in 1978.

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F/A-18 Hornet

F/A-18 Hornet

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F/A-18 Hornet, continued

The most popular brand that’s associated with the Hornet is the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels are seen as the Flight Demonstration Squadron of the Navy.

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F/A-18 Hornet

F/A-18 Hornet

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F-22 Raptor

The F-22 Raptor was first introduced in 1997 and costs $350 million. This aircraft is not yet retired and has impressive features.

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F 22 Raptor

F 22 Raptor

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F-22 Raptor, continued

It was developed as a result of the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) Program. The aircraft is a single-seat, twin-engine stealth fighter with capabilities to fly in all weather conditions.

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F 22 Raptor Part 2

F 22 Raptor Part 2

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F-16C/D Fighting Falcon

General Dynamics initially manufactured the F-16C/D Fighting Falcon for the USAF. This aircraft is a multi-role fighter jet that features a single-engine, which is supersonic. It’s evolved into a multi-role aircraft with all-weather properties. However, it was first built as an air superiority day fighter.

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F-16C/D Fighting Falcon

F-16C/D Fighting Falcon

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Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle

The Chengdu J-20 Black Eagle had its first flight in 2011 and has a $110 million price tag. The People’s Liberation Army Airforce is the primary user of this aircraft. It was introduced into service in 2017, six years after its initial flight.

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Chengdu J 20 Black Eagle

Chengdu J 20 Black Eagle

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Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye

This is a tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) carrier-capable aircraft that has all-weather capabilities. The E-2 Hawkeye was the aircraft that replaced the E-1 Tracer (now obsolete). It was created in the late 1950s, and the US Navy was the first military branch to get its hands on this aircraft.

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Northrop Grumman E 2D Advanced Hawkeye

Northrop Grumman E 2D Advanced Hawkeye

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Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye, continued

As time has gone on, the Northrop Grumman Corp has undergone many changes. Some of these updates include E-2C and E-2B technology. The effect of these updates is that the quality of radio communications and radar features have drastically increased.

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Northrop Grumman E 2D Advanced Hawkeye Part 2

Northrop Grumman E 2D Advanced Hawkeye Part 2

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C-17 Globemaster III

The cost of this aircraft is an astounding $328 million. This is a Boeing plane that was developed by Boeing’s McDonnell Douglas. It’s mainly used in strategical airlift and tactical airlift missions.

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C 17 Globemaster III

C 17 Globemaster III

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C-17 Globemaster III, continued

The C-17’s first flight was in 1991, and it was later entered into the USAF’s service in 1995. Its purpose for being built was to free up the C-15 fleet and conduct outsize cargo transporting. The C-17 was also designed to replace the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter.

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C 17 Globemaster III

C 17 Globemaster III

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F-15 Eagle

This is another aircraft that was manufactured by Boeing’s subsidiary, McDonnell Douglas. This is a tactical fighter aircraft that features a twin-engine. It has the capability to fly in any weather system and costs $43.1 million.

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F 15 Eagle

F 15 Eagle

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F-15 Eagle, continued

The aircraft’s aerial combat holds 100 victories with no losses, making this modern jet fighter one of the world’s most successful. The F-15 Eagle is a favorite among the Israeli Air Force and the USAF.

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F 15 Eagle Part 2

F 15 Eagle Part 2

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Dassault Mirage 2000

This fourth-generation jet fighter is known for its multi-role feature and is developed by Dassault Aviation. It was created in 1978 and was later introduced into the French Air Force by 1984.

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Dassault Mirage 2000

Dassault Mirage 2000

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Dassault Mirage 2000, continued

The Dassault Mirage 2000 aircraft is now used in many Air Forces. Some of these Air Forces include Indian Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force, and the Taiwanese Air Force. There are a vast amount of variants of the Mirage 2000. These include the 2000D and the 2000N.

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Dassault Mirage 2000 Part 2

Dassault Mirage 2000 Part 2

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Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit

This is the most expensive aircraft on this list. The Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit costs an incredible amount of $2.1 billion. Northrop Grumman is a highly established business that makes profits of more than $30 billion each year. This makes it one of the world’s biggest defense manufacturers.

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Northrop Grumman B 2 Spirit

Northrop Grumman B 2 Spirit

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Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit, continued

This aircraft is also known as the Stealth Bomber. The Stealth Bomber is a massive strategic bomber that is designed with technology to puncture thick anti-aircraft defenses.

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Northrop Grumman B 2 Spirit

Northrop Grumman B 2 Spirit

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MiG-31 Foxhound

The MiG-31 Foxhound aircraft is another plane that was developed in the Soviet Union-era. It was designed in 1975 and later introduced into service in 1981. The aircraft is not yet retired, as it’s still being used in the Kazakhstan Air Force and the Russian Aerospace Forces.

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MiG 31 Foxhound

MiG 31 Foxhound

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MiG-31 Foxhound, continued

The MiG-31 is known as a supersonic interceptor, and a total of 519 of these aircraft have been made already. The purpose of the MiG-31 Foxhound’s design was to act as a replacement for the Foxbat.

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MiG 31 Foxhound Part 2

MiG 31 Foxhound Part 2

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MiG-21

The MiG-21 is an aviation record-holder and was designed as a project by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau. The Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau was part of the Soviet Union and the aircraft has a value of $25.2 million.

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MiG 21

MiG 21

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MiG-21, continued

This aircraft was also used in the Indian Air Force, the Croatian Air Force, and the Romanian Air Force. It was recorded as one of aviation’s most-produced supersonic jet in history, as 11,496 of these aircraft were manufactured.

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MiG 21 Part 2

MiG 21 Part 2

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Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey

The Osprey was designed with the idea to emulate the functionality of a regular helicopter. With this, features that you would usually find in a turboprop aircraft were incorporated.

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Bell Boeing V 22 Osprey

Bell Boeing V 22 Osprey

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Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, continued

Some of these features include long-range cruise performance and high speed. This aircraft is used in the Japan Ground Self-Defense, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. The V-22 first took flight in 1989 and costs $118 million.

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Bell Boeing V 22 Osprey Part 2

Bell Boeing V 22 Osprey Part 2

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P-8A Poseidon

This is another aircraft that has been developed and produced by Boeing. It first took flight in 2009 and is yet to retire. The P-8A has a cost of $290 million, and its creation was specifically for use in the US Navy. Some of its arsenals include weapons such as Harpoon anti-ship torpedoes and missiles. The aircraft can also drop sonobuoys.

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P-8A Poseidon

P-8A Poseidon

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